Margin call

NEC Computers has signed UK distie Interface Solutions International to pump channel sales through smaller dealers.

Interface is cock-a-hoop about its exclusive, as this breathless quote from the firm's enterprise sales director, Rob Tomlin, shows.

"This deal sets us apart from the pack and ensures NEC’s proven track record in built to order IT is now accessible in the dealer arena. The benefits to resellers are loud and clear - they will not have to face margin pressure from HP, Toshiba, Acer and Fujitsu Siemens and they can look forward to a refreshing change of approach plus a bonus of increased margins."

NEC continues to sell direct, but it says the deal with Interface shows its "continued commitment to servicing the buoyant Channel market". [Our italics]

Birmingham-based Interface claims an annual turnover of £300m. It is part of the Fayrewood Group, an AIM-Listed distie conglomerate, which last month announced that it had "received an approach, which may or may not lead to an offer being made for all or part of the Group. This approach is at a relatively early stage and there is no certainty that it will result in a formal offer."

There has been no update since then, so we guess the talks continue. ®